Dr Ketaki Ravangave
Speech delay is one of the most common concerns that bring parents to a child development clinic. Many parents assume their child will eventually start speaking on their own, often overlooking the potential underlying causes. However, speech delay is just the visible tip of the iceberg. It can significantly impact a child's behaviour, cognitive development, academic performance, and socialisation. Understanding speech delay and taking timely action is crucial for a child's overall development.
What is speech, language, and communication?
Speech refers to the ability to produce sounds, while language involves understanding and using words. Communication, on the other hand, is the exchange of information through both verbal and nonverbal means.
A child with speech and language delays may have:
*Articulation disorders (difficulty forming sounds correctly)
*Motor speech disorders (poor coordination of muscles involved in speech)
*Voice disorders (issues with pitch, volume, or quality of voice)
*Language disorders (difficulty understanding or using words)
Red flags for speech delay
Parents should watch for these warning signs:
6 months: No cooing responsively
10 months: No babbling
12 months: No basic gesturing like waving bye-bye
18 months: No words other than Mamma, Dada, inability to follow simple commands
24 months: Vocabulary less than 50 words and no two-word phrases
36 months: No three-word sentences
4-5 years: Unable to narrate simple stories
Common causes of speech delay
*Delayed brain maturation – Common in boys and often seen in families with a history of late talkers. These ‘late bloomers’ usually catch up with time.
*Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication and interaction
*Hearing loss – Hearing is crucial for speech development. Even mild hearing loss can affect language acquisition.
*Intellectual disability – Children with cognitive delays may also struggle with language development.
*Anxiety and selective mutism, bilingualism
*Psychosocial deprivation – A lack of interaction, neglect or excessive screen time can impact child’s speech and language development.
*Anatomical structural anomalies – Conditions like tongue-tie, cleft palate, or other oral-motor issues can restrict tongue movement and affect speech clarity.
What can parents do?
Early intervention is key. If you suspect a speech delay, consult a developmental paediatrician for an assessment. Based on the diagnosis, therapy may include:
Speech therapy, occupational and behavioural therapy.
Home strategies to boost speech development
*Talk to your child frequently and describe daily activities.
*Read books and encourage storytelling.
*Limit screen time and engage in interactive play.
*Use simple words and repeat them often.
Recognising the signs early and seeking professional help can ensure your child reaches his/her full potential.
(The writer is developmental paediatrician,
child adolescent counsellor, Pune).